Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:185 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health the statistics which are available in relation to reported HIV infection; and if he will give a breakdown with regard to gender, age and region.
Written Answers. - HIV Infection Statistics.
Since 1985, the Department has been monitoring HIV in this country on the basis of monthly reports from the Virus Reference Laboratory UCD which submits, information on HIV positive tests obtained under the voluntary HIV testing programme. This shows that a total of 1,358 persons have tested positive for the virus in this country. It is considered, however, that this figure is understated and on the recommendations of the National AIDS Strategy Committee, a Programme of unlinked, anonymous HIV monitoring commenced in October, 1992 as a basis for more comprehensive monitoring of the spread of the infection. The new programme involves the analysis of blood, taken at antenatal clinics for routine clinical purposes and which is surplus to requirements. The information obtained will provide information on HIV relating to gender, age and regions. It is proposed to extend the Programme further to include STD Clinics and hospital in-patients and out-patients.